Tub Faucet Having a Control Valve With Reduced Backpressure

ABSTRACT

A water control system including a showerhead and a tub faucet. The faucet has a valve configured to automatically restrict fluid flow through the faucet and direct fluid to the showerhead as a function of a parameter, such as a predetermined water temperature. The faucet has many modes of operation, including a Reset Mode, an Auto-Divert Mode, a Bypass Mode, and a Cold Mode. A flow control device generates minimal back-pressure when in the Reset Mode such that water does not undesirably back flow to a shower head.

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/074,896 entitled Tub Faucet Having Control Valve WithoutHammering filed Mar. 18, 2016, which a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/511,007 entitled Water Control SystemHaving a Temperature Controlled Tub Faucet Valve filed Oct. 9, 2014.which application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/888,865 entitled Multifunctional Restrictive Valve System filedOct. 9, 2013, the teachings of which are incorporated herein in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is generally related to restrictive valves, and morespecifically to temperature controlled fluid flow restrictive valvessuch as for use in a tub/shower environment.

BACKGROUND

It is often necessary, in both consumer and commercial contexts, to waitfor a water source to reach a suitable temperature prior to use. Forexample, it is very common for an individual to turn on the hot water ina shower, in a tub, at a sink, or other location, and then wait for anextended length of time until the water is at the correct temperature.

Additionally, vast amounts of water and energy are wasted each year dueto the delay in receiving water at the correct temperature. That is, asmost individuals are reluctant to stand by the shower and/or tub andcontinuously monitor the water temperature for many minutes, asignificant amount of hot water is simply lost down the drain. Thisincreases both water costs as well as heating costs. Multiplied by thenumber of individuals that must engage in this practice on a dailybasis, the water and energy waste is significant.

A flow control valve utilized in a household, such as to provide thedelivery of water to a tub and/or showerhead, typically sees a waterpressure up to 120 psi. This high water pressure can affect theoperation of the water control valve when it includes moving parts. Forinstance, the pressure at an upstream port relative to the pressure at adownstream port can negatively affect the performance of the flowcontrol valve. Moreover, this high pressure can require operationalportions of the valve to be comprised of more expensive and strongermaterials to withstand any pressure differentials between the upstreamport, and the downstream port.

In a water system including both a bathing tub and a showerhead, the tubhas a faucet that is configured to dispense water at a high rate.Typically, water dispenses through a tub faucet at the high rate, suchas 6-10 gallons per minute, as there are no water saving control valvesutilized in a tub faucet. When a user wants to take a shower, the usermanually activates a diverter valve to redirect heated water away fromthe tub faucet and to the shower head. This scenario wastes a tremendousamount of water through the tub faucet, considering that the averageuser may run water through the tub faucet an average of 45 seconds afterthe water is warm before manually activating the faucet diverter valveto operate the showerhead. If the user steps away from the tube, hotwater even more hot water is wasted until the user returns and thenactivates the diverter valve.

Moreover, temperature-controlled water saving valves arc not utilized intub faucets because many users want to take cold showers and baths.

There is desired a tub spout faucet having an automatic temperaturecontrolled diverter for diverting water to a showerhead and that createsminimum back-flow pressure so that water does not undesirably divert tothe showerhead in the rest mode, and until the diverter is actuated.

There is desired a water control system including a tub faucet andshowerhead that reduces the amount of water waste through the tub faucetbefore operating the showerhead, or before the tub drain is sealed for abath, yet which permits a user to override the system.

There is also desired a faucet having an automatic diverter and having areset that is ADA compliant.

There is also desired a faucet configured to prevent hammering.

There is also desired a faucet configured having an automatic diverterconfigured to prevent leaking over time.

There is also desired a universal mounting adapter for a faucet havingan automatic diverter.

SUMMARY

A tub faucet having a valve configured to automatically restrict fluidflow through the faucet and direct fluid to a showerhead as a functionof a parameter, such as a predetermined water temperature. The faucethas many modes of operation, including a Reset Mode, an Auto-DivertMode, a Bypass Mode, and a Cold Mode. The valve generates minimalback-pressure when in the Reset Mode such that water docs notundesirably back flow to a shower head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a water control system having a showerhead that maybe temperature controlled, and a tub faucet including a valve configuredto be controlled as a function of a parameter, such as watertemperature, according to one example embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective of first embodiment of the tub faucethaving a manual override control;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of the faucet temperature controlledvalve with the piston the non-extended position such that water freelyflows through the valve and the faucet.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of the faucet temperature controller;valve in the hot bypass anode with the piston in the extended positionsuch that water is automatically restricted from flowing through thefaucet when the water reaches a threshold temperature, acid also thewater automatically directed from the faucet to the temperaturecontrolled showerhead;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of the faucet including a manualoverride member configured to disengage the temp control valve e coldbypass mode;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the handle an cam;

FIG. 7 illustrates the handle and the cam when the valve is in the hotbypass mode;

FIG. 8 illustrates the handle and the cam when the valve is partiallyrotated, between the hot bypass mode and the cold bypass mode;

FIG. 9 illustrates the handle and the cam when the valve is completelyrotated counterclockwise and the valve is in the cold bypass mode;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a tub faucet according to asecond embodiment, and that is usable in the water control system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a front end view of the faucet FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10 whenthe valve in the Reset Mode;

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 10 whenthe valve in the Reset Mode;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the valve shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10 whenthe valve in the Auto-Divert Mode;

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 10 whenthe valve in the Auto-Divert Mode;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the valve shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10 whenthe valve in the Bypass Mode;

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 10 whenthe valve in the Bypass Mode;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the valve shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10 whenthe valve initiates moving from the Auto-Divert Mode to the Bypass Mode,creating a passageway allowing fluid to pass through the passageway andthe distal shaft receiver openings to reduce a pressure differential;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the valve as shown in FIG. 21illustrating the passageway and openings creating a fluid path;

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the valve shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the faucet;

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the faucet;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a universal tubspout adapter configured to be compressed about a copper pipe;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the universal adapter of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a front view of the universal adapter of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a side sectional view of the universal adapter of FIG. 27taken along line 30-30 in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a universal tubspout adapter configured to be compressed about galvanized pipe;

FIG. 32 is a side view or the universal adapter of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a front view of the universal adapter of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the universal adapter of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a universal tubspout adapter configured to be connected to a threaded pipe;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the universal adapter of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a front view of the universal adapter of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a side sectional view of the universal adapter of FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a forth embodiment of a universal tubspout adapter configured to be connected to a threaded pipe;

FIG. 40 is a side view of the universal adapter of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a front view of the universal adapter of FIG. 39; and

FIG. 42 is a side sectional view of the universal adapter of FIG. 39.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one example embodiment of this disclosure, a tub spout faucet havingan automatic temperature-controlled diverter for diverting water to ashowerhead, and that has minimum back-flow pressure so that water doesnot undesirably divert to the showerhead until the diverter is actuatedis disclosed.

A water control system includes a temperature controlled showerhead anda tub faucet having a temperature controlled valve. The faucet has a hotbypass mode, and a cold bypass mode. In the hot bypass mode, water flowsthrough the faucet until its temperature reaches a predeterminedtemperature, and then the valve closes and operates as a diverter,directing the heated water to the temperature controlled showerhead. Thefaucet can be reset to allow water flow through the faucet regardless ofwater temperature take a bath. In the cold bypass mode, the faucet canbe manually set to divert water to the temperature controlledshowerhead, regardless of temperature, such as to provide a cold shower.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown an example embodiment accordingto this disclosure depicting a saving system 10 including a tub faucet12, a temperature controlled showerhead 14, a water mixing valve 15configured to receive a cold water from source 16 and hot water fromsource 17, and plumbing 18 extending between these elements. The mixingvalve 15 has a control 19 controllable by a user to establish a desiredtemperature of water that is provided to the tub faucet 12 and/orshowerhead 14 through plumbing 18.

The temperature controlled showerhead 14 has a flow control valveconfigured to restrict a flow of water through the showerhead as afunction of water temperature, such that when the flow of water reachesa predetermined temperature the flow of water is restricted and/orblocked. The reset member allows the user to override the flow controlvalve and allow water to flow through the showerhead 14 regardless ofwater temperature, such as to take a shower. Applicant herebyincorporates the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,434,693,filed Dec. 13, 2010 detailing an example of the showerhead 14. Inanother embodiment, the showerhead 14 may be a conventional dripNavy-type showerhead, or a drip showerhead that can be manually reset toallow water to flow and which is automatically reset when water pressureis removed.

Advantageously, the tub faucet 12 includes a water saving valve 22positioned in the faucet 12 and is configured to be positioned as afunction of the water flowing through the faucet, and also has amanually settable override member 24. The valve 22 is configured torestrict the flow of water through the faucet 12 when water flowingthrough the faucet reaches and exceeds temperate threshold. In addition,when the valve 22 is closed, the water flow is automatically directedfrom the faucet 12 to the showerhead 14. Thus, the valve 22 operates asboth a temperature controlled valve and also a tub spout diverter valve.The valve 22 also includes a manually operable override member 24configured to disable the valve 22 such that water of any temperaturecan flow through and exit the valve 22.

Referring to FIG. 2, faucet 12 shown according to one example embodimentof this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, cross sectional view of faucet 12 is shown having avalve 22 positioned therein. The valve 22 is shown in a first positionallowing water to freely pass through the faucet 12. Valve 22 is securedin a tubular faucet body 26. Valve 22 comprises of an annular body front30 threadably received into a proximal end of an annular main body 32secured to faucet body 26. An upstream port 34 is defined at a proximalopening of body front 30. An annular middle body 36 has a proximal endannularly disposed about a distal end of main body 32, and has a distalend threadably received in an annular end body 38. A distal end of endbody 38 has a downstream port 40 positioned at the outlet of faucet body26. An axially slidable sleeve 42 is axially positioned in the end body38.

A slidable piston 50 is axially and slidably disposed in the sleeve 42.Piston 50 has a recessed middle portion 52 defined between a proximalO-ring 54 and a distal O-ring 55, the recessed piston middle portion 52forming an annular fluid passageway 56 extending between the pistonmiddle portion 52 and an opposing inner wall 58 of sleeve 42, as shown.When fluid is permitted to flow through valve 22, a fluid path 60extends from passageway 56 to an outwardly tapered proximal end 62 ofsleeve 42. An O ring 64 is provided in an annular out recess at theproximal end 62 providing a fluid seal between the sleeve 42 and the endbody 38.

A spring 64 is annularly positioned in the distal end of end body 38 andin the distal end of the piston 50. The spring 64 is compressed, and isengaged against an inner flange 66 at the distal end of end body 38 anda distal end of the piston 50. The spring 64 is configured to bias thepiston 50 proximally and away from the flange 66. A spring 68 isannularly positioned the distal end of end body 38 that encompasses thesleeve 42 and extends between an end flange of end body 38 and a flangeof sleeve 42. Spring 68 is configured to bias the sleeve 42 proximally.Seal 69 seals the sleeve 42 with respect to the end body 38.

The temperature sensitive actuator 70 is axially and threadably receivedin an annular flange 72 defined at the distal end of middle body 36. Theactuator 70 may be a paraffin wax actuator. The actuator 70 has anactuator nose 74 that axially extends and pushes a proximal end ofpiston 50 when the temperature of water passing about the outer surfaceof actuator 70, and through openings 76 defined each side of annularflame 72, reaches and exceeds a predetermined temperature. As shown inFIG. 4, the extension of the actuator nose 74 axially pushes the piston50 distally such that proximal seal 54 of piston 50 extends into thesleeve 42 and closes the passageway 56, thus preventing the flow ofwater through sleeve 42 and the valve 22. Therefore, the closed valve 22functions as an automatic diverter, and warmed fluid flow isautomatically directed from the faucet 12 to the showerhead 14.

An actuator spring 78 is secondary spring positioned in the end body 38,and is in the compressive state. Spring 78 is configured to counteractthe sleeve 42 when manually put in manual cold bypass mode (FIG. 5) tohelp the valve 22 reset each time to its original position in the hotbypass mode (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). The spring 78 engages the proximal endof sleeve 42 and extends to and against the distal end of middle body36. The spring 78 distally biases the sleeve 42 into the end body 38 asshown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, but also permits the sleeve 42 to moveproximal as shown in FIG. 5 when urged by the override member 24 tomanually close the passageway 56 and prevent flow of fluid through valve22, regardless of the temperature of the fluid proximate the actuator70. Thus, water flow is manually directed from faucet 12 to theshowerhead 14 at a temperature established by the mixer 16.

Referring to FIG. 5, the valve 22 is shown in the cold bypass mode. Endbody 38 includes a threaded annular extension 80. Extension 80 isconfigured to receive a radially extending pin 82 extending through acollar 84 having 2 opposing tapered upper surfaces 83, forming a cam. Alever 85 extends radially from a midsection of pin 82 each side of pin82, and rides upon the respective upper surf ace of the collar 84causing the pin 82 to retract away from valve 22 when rotatedcounterclockwise. The pin 82 is further shown in FIG. 6. The pin 82 hasa distal tip portion 86, and has a radially extending cam 88 configuredto selectively engage a flanged surface 92 of sleeve 42. A handle 90 issecured to the outer end of pin 82 by a fastener 91. A spring 94 isdefined between an annular pin flange 96 and an inner surface of a cap98. The cap 98 is threadably connected to the extension 80. The spring94 is configured to assist in returning the handle 24 to the hot bypassmode position when rotated clockwise.

FIG. 7 shows the cam 88 position in the hot bypass mode, correspondingto FIG. 4. Upon rotation of the handle 90 and the cam 88 in theclockwise direction and laterally engages a flange 92 annularly definedabout the proximal end of sleeve 42 as shown in FIG. 8. As the handle 90and cam 88 continue to rotate the can 88 pushes the sleeve 42proximally, as shown in FIG. 9, such that piston 50 extends distallyinto sleeve 42 and closes passageway 56, and thus restricts fluid flowin the valve 22 the cold bypass mode. The pin 85 riding along the uppersurface of collar 84 helps reduce friction between cam 88 and thesurface of sleeve 42 during rotation. In the cold bypass mode, coldwater is thus directed to showerhead 14 to provide a cold shower.

When the handle 90 is rotated counter-clockwise, from the position shownin FIG. 9 to the position show in FIG. 7, the cam 88 retracts fromflange 92 and the spring 78 pushes the sleeve 42 back into the hotbypass mode such as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, such that the piston 50can move in response to the tended actuator nose 74.

Advantageously, the valve 22 can operate to automatically deflect hotwater to the showerhead 14, referred to as the hot mode, or can bemanually set to manually directed cold water to the showerhead 14,referred to as the cold mode. In both modes, a significant water savingsis obtained by preventing an excess amount of water being dispensedthrough the tub faucet to establish the shower mode with either hot orcold water.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a perspective view of anotherembodiment of a tub faucet at 100 including an automatictemperature-controlled diverter for diverting water to a showerhead,which diverter creates minimum back-flow pressure so that water does notundesirably divert to the showerhead until the diverter is actuated.

The tub faucet can be reset with less than 10 lbs. of pressure and meetsthe American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Reset Mode

FIG. 10 shows faucet 100 in the Reset Mode, which is defined as the modewhen the faucet 100 is not in use, and when water flowing through thefaucet 100 is below a predetermined temperature threshold at which pointthe faucet 100 would enter the Auto-Divert Mode (FIG. 15). FIG. 11 showsa front f faucet 100, and FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of thefaucet 100 in the Reset Mode, taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11. FIG. 13shows a side sectional view of the faucet 100 in the Reset Mode, takenalong line 13-13 in FIG. 11, and FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of adiverter valve shown in FIG. 13.

The faucet 100 includes a diverter valve 102 positioned in a water flowchannel 104 defined in an outer body 105, shown in a first position. Thechannel 104 longitudinally extends through the faucet 100 from an inletport 106 to an outlet port 108. The valve 102 is configured to beautomatically positioned in the channel 104 as a function of thetemperature of water flow through channel 104.

Advantageously, in the Reset Mode, the structure of the diverter valve102 is configured to create low back-pressure such that water from thesource does not undesirably backflow up to the showerhead. For instance,when the source water pressure is at 100 psi, the divert generates nomore than 2 psi back-pressure, and preferably at or below 1.5 psi. Thislow back-pressure achieved by the detailed design of the diverter valve102 and how it interacts with the tub faucet housing, minimizing andavoiding surfaces that are perpendicular to the incoming water flow, theconfiguration and size of the various openings and passageways, and theconfiguration of the temperature controlled actuator including theanti-hammering mechanism.

As will be discussed shortly, the valve 102 is also manuallypositionable as a function of a longitudinally piston shaft 110extending longitudinally in a distal end of the channel 104. Avertically extending lever 112 is positioned at the distal end of faucet100 and is pivotably connected to a distal end of shaft 110 at a pivot114. The pivot 114 is formed in a pivot coupler 116 threadably connectedto a threaded distal end 118 of shaft 110. A lower end 120 of lever 112is pivotal connected to a distal end of faucet housing 122 at pivot 124forming a leverage point. An upper end 126 of level 112 can be graspedby a user and pulled outwardly to manually set the valve 102 in anarrangement such that the faucet is in a Manual Divert Mode and water isdiverted to the showerhead 14, such as to take a cold shower. The upperend 126 can also be pushed by a user toward the faucet housing 122 usingless than 10 lbs. of force, meeting the ADA requirement, to set thevalve 102 in a Manual Bypass Mode such that hot water continues to flowthrough the channel 104 regardless of water temperature to take a hotbath. This Manual Bypass Mode allows water to bypass the valve 102 andalso referred to as an override position.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14 illustrating the Reset Mode, the valve 102 isconfigured to restrict the flow of water through the channel 104 whenwater flowing through the channel 104 reaches and exceeds a temperatethreshold. When the valve 102 is closed, the water flow is automaticallydirected from the faucet 100 to the showerhead 14. Thus, the valve 102operates as both a temperature controlled valve and also as a tub spoutdiverter valve. The valve 102 is shown in a first position allowingwater to freely flow in channel 104 from inlet port 106 and freely passaround valve 102 to the outlet port 108. Valve 102 is secured in thetubular outer body 105.

Valve 102 comprises of an annular actuator adapter 130 having a proximalend threadably receiving a distal end of an annular actuator cap 132. Anannular piston diverter shield 134 has a proximal end threadablyreceiving a distal end of adapter 130. Shield 134 is secured in a distalend of outer body 105 by a screw 135, and a seal 137 provides a liquidseal about the screw 135. A two piece annular piston shaft receiver ispositioned in shield 134, and comprises a distal piston shaft receiver136 and a proximal piston shaft receiver 138 with a piston receiver seal140 interposed between the two receivers. An outer receiver seal o-ring142 provides a seal between the proximal shaft receiver 138 and an innersurface of shield 134, and a piston gland o-ring 144 extends annularlyabout an inner wall of proximal shaft receiver 138, located proximal ofthe distal piston shaft receiver 136.

A thermal actuator 150 is threadably received through an open theproximal end of actuator cap 132. The actuator 150 may be a paraffin waxactuator, or other temperature sensitive actuator, such as a bi-metalspring. The actuator 150 has an actuator nose 154 that axially extendsas water temperature increases, and responsively pushes a proximal endof a longitudinally movable piston 156 when the temperature of waterpassing about the proximal end of actuator 150. Piston 156 has aproximal end positioned in adapter 130 and receiving the distal end ofactuator 150. A spring 157 is positioned within adapter 130 between adistal flange of adapter 130 and a proximal flange of piston 156, and isin the compressive mode operative to retract piston 156 proximally.Piston 156 has a distal end extending through a distal opening ofadapter 130 and into proximal shall receive 138. Piston 156 has anannular shoulder 158 configured to be received in and engage the pistongland o-ring 144.

In the Reset Mode, there is spacing between the distal end of piston 156and an inner surface 160 defined in an inner portion 162 of distalpiston shaft receiver 136. A pilot hole forming a passageway 164 isshown extending from the inner portion 162 through both the distalpiston shaft receiver 136 and the proximal piston shall receiver 138. Anannular outer piston body 170 encompasses the distal piston shallreceiver 136, and has a plurality of parallel longitudinal openings 172forming passageways from a distal side of the annular outer piston body170 to proximal side of the annular outer piston body 170, openings 172abutting a distal side of flange 174 of distal piston shaft receiver136. The seal 140 encompasses a periphery of flange 174. An annularpiston body 176 encompasses the distal end of outer piston body 170. Thepassageway 164 and the openings 172 are configured to prevent hammeringof the valve 102 by providing a hydraulic shock, and also to reduce therequired force using lever 112 to reset the valve 102 in a Bypass Modecompliant with the ADA, as will be described in more detail shortly.

An annular piston body seal 180 is secured with in outer piston body170, and securely encompasses the periphery of inner piston body 176.The seal 180 is comprised of a resilient material, and specifically amaterial that is resistant to build-up of materials such as calcium andother materials over time as water flows past the seal 180. In the AutoDivert Mode, as will be described shortly, the distal face of seal 180is configured to be urged by actuator 150 against an opposing sealinterlace 182, formed as an annular shoulder at the proximate end ofbody 105, to provide a seal and also prevent leakage over time.

A shalt spring 184 encompasses piston shaft 110 and is compressedbetween a piston shaft receiver flange 186 formed distal of outer pistonbody 170 and a shaft bushing 188. Bushing 188 extends in a distalopening of housing 122 and has a pair of bushing o-rings 190 positionedaround the bushing 188 and providing a liquid seal between the bushing122 and the housing 122. A shaft o-ring 192 is positioned around pistonshaft 110 and provides a liquid seal between the shaft 110 and thebushing 188. A pair of body o-rings 194 are each positioned about adistal end of outer body 105 and form a liquid seal between the outerbody 105 and the housing 122. A tub spout water shaping grate 196 issecured in the outlet port 108, and a grate o-ring 198 provides a liquidseal between the grate 196 and the housing 122.

Auto-Divert Mode

Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, the valve 100 shown in the Auto-DivertMode. When the temperature of water flowing through the channel 104increases and reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, such as 90degrees Fahrenheit, the actuator 150 heats up and actuator nose 154responsively extends axially such that it engages and urges the piston156 distally. The story shoulder 158, in turn, pushes and urges againstthe piston gland o-ring 144, without extending further through theo-ring 144, such that the distal piston shaft receiver 136 movesdistally until the seal 180 engages seal interface 182 and seals thechannel 104. Distal piston shaft receiver 136 continues to urge seal 180against the seal interface 182 to maintain a complete liquid seal, suchthat no fluid leaks past valve 102, and thus water is prevented fromflowing through the channel 104. Consequently, the piston shaft 110extends distally and urges the lever 120 outwardly from housing 122 suchthat the lever is substantially vertical. Therefore, the closed valve102 functions as an automatic diverter, configured to prevent water fromflowing through the channel 104 when in a second position as a functionof a parameter, such as water temperature, and water flow isautomatically directed from the faucet 100 to the showerhead 14.

Bypass Mode

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, the valve 100 is shown in the Bypass Mode. Inthis Bypass Mode, water is allowed to continue flowing through channel104 regardless of the water temperature, allowing the faucet to fill atub and allow a user to take a bath. The amount of force required by theuser to put the valve 100 in the Bypass mode is less than 10 lbs. tomeet the ADA requirements, which is 10 lbs., and the applied force maybe as little as 6 lbs. when the water pressure at the inlet port is 120pounds per square inch (psi).

This low user force is created due to numerous design features as willnow be described in detail. This Bypass Mode is entered from theAuto-Divert Mode by a user providing a force to the upper portion 126 oflever 120 and toward the faucet 100, such that the lever 120 rotatesabout pivot 124 to create a lever arm and a moment force. The user mayconveniently use the palm of a hand, or other body part such as an armor foot.

As the lever 120 is rotated toward the faucet 100, the shaft 110 isresponsively urged through the bushing 188 to urge the distal pistonshaft receiver 136 proximal. Because the actuator tip 154 is alreadyextended it provides a resistance to the piston 156, such that thedistal piston shaft receiver 136 is pushed proximal and the distal endof piston 156 is urged through the gland o-ring 144 and into the innerportion of the distal piston shaft receiver 136. FIG. 20 shows anenlarged view, where the seal 180 is retracted from the seal interface182 and water is allowed to resume flowing in the channel 104 and pastthe valve 102, past the seal 180.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, there is shown the valve 102 when the BypassMode is initiated. The force required to enter the Bypass Mode isreduced to meet the 10 lb. ADA requirement because upon pushing thelever 120 with such a small force, the shaft 110 initially pushes thedistal piston shaft receiver 136 proximal such that shaft flange 186 ismoved proximally until it engages outer piston body 170 while the seal180 maintains stationary, such that they separate from one another andcreate a spacing 200 between them. This created spacing 200 forms a flowpassageway allowing water to flow frown proximal of the valve 102 aroundseal 140, through the spacing 200 and the openings 172 to reduce thepressure differential across the valve 102. This differential pressurereduction may be referred to as enabling the distal piston shaftreceiver 136 to pop-off. As the pressure differential is reduced, alower force is required to then urge the seal 180 to separate from sealinterface 182 and further reduce the pressure differ a and open thechannel to resume continuous flow through the channel 104.

Together, the lever arm, and the differential pressure reductionmechanist allows the valve 102 to transition from the Auto-Divert Modeto the Bypass mode while meeting the ADA requirements.

Cold Mode

The valve 102 can be manually set in the position shown for theAuto-Divert Mode by the user to take a cold shower. The user simplypulls the upper portion 126 of lever 120 to manually pull the shaft 110and the seal 180 forward. This causes the seal 180 to engage the sealinterface 182 and the water pressure will maintain the seal, such thatcold water is diverted to the showerhead 14. In this mode, the actuatortip 154 is not extended since the water temperature is below thepredetermined temperature threshold. The valve can be reset from theCold Mode to the Reset Mode as described above, by a user imparting aforce on the lever 120 that meets the ADA requirements.

In the Cold Mode, Bypass Mode, or the Auto-Divert mode, the valve 102will automatically move to the Reset Mode when water pressure is removedfrom the faucet 100, such as casing handle 19, due to the shaft spring184 pushing the valve 102 toward the inlet port.

Hammer Elimination

Hammering of the valve 102 is eliminated due to several features.Hammering is defined as the mechanical resonance of the valve 102causing the valve 102 to repeatedly hit the seal interface 182, whichmay sound like a jack hammer.

Referring back to FIGS. 12-14, and FIGS. 22-24 as the valve 102transitions from the Reset Mode to the Auto-Divert Mode, or into theCold Mode, the seal 180 will eventually engage the seal interface 182.As shown in FIGS. 22-24, the distal piston shaft receiver 136 will bepushed forward by the water pressure, causing it to be pulled ahead andin advance of the flange 174. When the seal 180 engages the sealinterface 182 to create a seal, water is disposed in a pocket definedbetween seal 140 and seal 142 and forms a hydraulic shock absorber. Thewater in this pocket can only flow through passageway 164 to spacing 162such that the valve 102 can't hammer. This may be referred to as aseal-close such that the valve 102 won't mechanically resonate orhammer.

The passageway 164 extends from the inner portion of the distal pistonshaft receiver 136 to the channel 104, such that water is positioned inthe space 162 between the piston 156 and inner surface 160. As the seal180 engages the seal interface 182 with momentum, the fluid in the space162 also dampens the piston 156 from hammering in the distal pistolshaft receiver 136. The passageway 164 allows fluid to be transferredbetween the space 162 and the channel 104 to also form a hydraulic shockabsorber.

Leak Proof Valve Seal

As previously detailed with respect to FIGS. 15-17, the seal 180 iscomprised of a resilient material, and specifically a material that isresistant to the build-up of materials such as calcium and othermaterials overtime as water flows past the seal 180. The distal face ofseal 180 is configured to be urged by actuator 150 against an opposingseal interface 182, formed as an annular shoulder at the proximate endof body 105, to provide a seal and also prevent leakage over time.

Universal Tub Spout Adapter

Referring to FIG. 25, a rear perspective view of faucet 100 is shownincluding a universal pipe mounting adapter 210 secured in the proximalend of faucet 100. There are four different embodiments of the universaladapter as will be detailed.

FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom view of the faucet 100;

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate the first embodiment of the universal adapter 210seen to include an annular snap lock receiver mount 212 configured as asleeve and having a bottom anchor insert 214, an annular compressionplate 216 and an annular pacer plate 218. A fastener 220, such as ascrew, is configured to secure the compression plate 216 to the pipe. Anannular compression seal 222 also configured as a sleeve is axiallypositioned within the receiver mount 212 and is configured to make aliquid seal about a copper pipe inserted through the compression seal222. A pair of mount o-rings 224 are each annularly positioned about adistal end of the receiver mount 212 and are configured to provide aliquid seal between the receiver mount 212 and an inner flange 230 ofbody end 232 threadably received, in the proximal end of outer body 105,as shown in FIG. 12. A receiver o-ring 234 provides a liquid sealbetween the body end 232 and outer body 105. A mounting tab 236 has aninsert 238 configured to receive the fastener 211 to secure the adapter210 within the proximal end of faucet 100. Mount 212 has annular angledtab 239 configured to be inserted through mounting tab 236 and snappedinto place behind the tab 236 in a tight fit such that o-ring seals 224create a liquid seal. The fastener 220 is configured to threadablyextend through compression plate 216 to secure the compression plate 216about an annular pipe. Compression seal 242 creates a seal around thepipe by fasteners 250 compressing the receiver mount 212 against theannular compression plate 216 and an annular spacer plate 218. Faucet100 has a escutcheon plate 244 and a foam spacer 246 at the proximalend. As shown in FIG. 29, four fasteners 250, such as screws, areconfigured to each extend through a distal end of mount 212 to securethe mount 212 to compression plate 216.

Referring to FIGS. 31-34, there is shown a second embodiment of auniversal mounting adapter 250 configured to be secured to galvanizedpipe. This embodiment is similar to the adapter 210 of FIGS. 27-30,except that the sleeve type compression seal 222 is replaced with anannular galvanized pipe seal 252 that has the same inner diameter asreceiver mount 212, and axially extends only in the proximal end of themount 212.

Referring to FIGS. 35-38, there is shown a third embodiment of auniversal mounting adapter 260 configured to be attached to a threadedpipe stub.

Referring to FIGS. 39-42, there is shown a fourth embodiment of auniversal mounting adapter 270 configured to be attached to a threadedpipe stub, similar to adapter 260 but having a different threading.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specificpreferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the presentapplication. The intention is therefore that the appended claims beinterpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to includeall such variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tub faucet, comprising: a main body including achannel extending through die main body, the channel configured toreceive water at an inlet port and pass water to an outlet portconfigured to dispense water into a bath tub; a flow control memberconfigured to control a flow of water in the channel responsive to aparameter, the flow control member movable between a first position anda second position, where in when the flow control member is in the firstposition the flow control member is configured to allow the flow ofwater through the channel as a function of the parameter, where in whenthe flow control member is in the second position water is substantiallyblocked from flowing in the channel; and wherein when the flow controlmember is in the first position the flow control member is configured togenerate a back-pressure of 2 psi or less when water pressure providedto the inlet port is 100 psi.